Harry Potter's : Fantastic Beasts Guide

Seeing the iron cage on the ground, Lockhart's pupils shrank unconsciously, as if recalling something buried deep within his memories. However, he quickly masked his emotions, and neither David nor Hagrid noticed the fleeting look of recognition on his face.

"It wasn't here two days ago!" Hagrid said, stepping forward and inspecting the cage, banging on it with his large hand.

David, watching closely, asked, "Maybe it was placed here just before I arrived at the school. Hagrid, have you seen anyone else in the Forbidden Forest lately?"

Hagrid tugged at his beard, thinking for a moment. "No, Lockhart and I have been in the Forbidden Forest these past few days, and I haven't seen anyone else."

David shifted his gaze to Lockhart.

"Hagrid, you can't say that!" Lockhart interjected loudly, his voice high-pitched. "What if someone came in the middle of the night? You're not watching the Forbidden Forest every hour, are you?"

Hagrid considered this. "Aye, you're right. If someone came while I was sleeping, I wouldn't know."

"Exactly! So, someone other than us must have placed this cage here," Lockhart said, his relief barely concealed.

David turned to him again. "Professor… were you here all night?"

Lockhart stiffened, then quickly regained his composure. "Are you doubting me? How could I possibly harm my students? Besides, the traps here were arranged by me. If I placed a snake here, wouldn't I be throwing myself into danger as well?"

David nodded slowly. "That makes sense. I shouldn't doubt you."

Lockhart straightened his robes. "The next exam will be rescheduled. I'll report this matter to Professor Dumbledore. He will investigate it thoroughly. Hagrid, please take all the students back, and you, Scammander—wandering around the Forbidden Forest is dangerous for a student."

With that, Lockhart rushed out of the Forbidden Forest, stumbling over roots and looking utterly flustered.

Hagrid blinked. "What's up with him?"

David smirked. "It's probably his first time dealing with a teaching accident. Let's go, Hagrid. Let's get Harry and the others back."

As they reached the clearing, Harry was surrounded by a group of students, animatedly recounting his daring escape from the Rune Snake's jaws. Gasps and exclamations rippled through the crowd.

"David's here!" someone shouted, and all eyes turned to him.

Harry pushed through the crowd. "What did Lockhart say?"

"He's reporting to Professor Dumbledore, and today's exams are canceled. They'll be rescheduled," David informed him.

Harry's face fell. "Did he say if I can retake my exam?"

David shrugged. "He didn't say, but you can ask him next time. I'm sure he'll agree."

"Alright…" Harry sighed, clearly disappointed.

"Okay, everyone, follow me closely!" Hagrid clapped his hands and began leading the students out of the Forbidden Forest.

David and Hermione trailed behind, keeping an eye on the group.

"David, how did a snake end up in Harry's exam tunnel? There shouldn't be creatures like that in the Forbidden Forest," Hermione whispered.

"Someone brought it here. We found a cage," David replied quietly.

Hermione's eyes widened. She glanced at Harry, who was chatting with Ron ahead of them. "Someone's trying to hurt Harry?"

"Most likely," David nodded.

"The one who took the diary?" Hermione's voice was urgent.

"Probably, but I don't have proof yet."

"That means Harry's still in danger! We should tell Dumbledore," Hermione insisted, tugging at David's arm.

"I will. Don't worry," he assured her.

Back at the dormitory, David picked up a copy of Walking with the Ghouls by Gilderoy Lockhart. As Hermione went to rest in her room, he left the dorm and took a detour to find Colin before heading to Lockhart's office.

David knocked on the door. "Professor, are you there?"

A series of loud thuds sounded from inside, followed by Lockhart's hurried voice. "Oh! Sorry, it's not very convenient right now. Can you come back later?"

David smirked. "That's fine. I'm free. I'll wait."

The noise inside ceased. After a moment, the door creaked open a sliver, revealing Lockhart's wary face. "Just you?"

"Of course. There's a part in this book I don't understand, and I wanted to ask you about it." David held up Walking with the Ghouls.

Lockhart glanced at it, his face devoid of his usual enthusiasm. Instead, he looked uneasy. "Come in."

David entered, noting the packed boxes lining the room. "Professor, are you leaving?"

Lockhart's eyes darted around. "Oh, just a little trip. You know, celebrities like me are always busy."

"Do you need to bring this much?" David asked, smiling.

"It's best to be prepared," Lockhart replied, his unease growing.

"That's very thoughtful of you."

"Now, what part of the book don't you understand?" Lockhart asked, eager to change the subject.

David set the book down. "Actually, I have no questions. Seeing how busy you are, I didn't want to bother you."

Lockhart exhaled. "Then perhaps another time—"

"Professor, what if you never come back?" David interrupted, his gaze sharp. "Maybe you should leave me a diary, so I can study on my own."

Lockhart's face darkened instantly. "When did you figure it out?"

David smirked. "Oh, you know, you're a smart man. You tell me."

Lockhart's grip on his wand tightened. "People want to believe me. Who would rather read about a wrinkled old witch instead of a handsome, dashing wizard like me?"

"So you stole their stories? Weren't you afraid they'd expose you?"

Lockhart chuckled. "They don't remember a thing."

David glanced at Lockhart's wand. "Oh? And why is that?"

"Because of Obliviate!" Lockhart roared, casting a memory charm.

David remained unfazed. "Protego." Without a wand, he effortlessly deflected the spell.

Lockhart's eyes widened in horror. "Wandless magic?! Who—who are you?"

David raised an eyebrow. "Told you I was stronger."

Lockhart stumbled back. David simply pointed a finger at him. "Incarcerous."

Lockhart froze in place, paralyzed with shock.

"Professor, come in, it's warm inside!" David called toward the door.

The door opened, revealing Professor Dumbledore.

"Having fun?" Dumbledore asked with a sigh.

"Not bad," David replied. "Just wish there was an audience."

Lockhart's face went pale. He was finished.

Dumbledore shook his head. "Gilderoy Lockhart… I never thought we'd meet again like this."

Lockhart could only stare in silence. He knew it was over.